Inside Baseball America’s Bold 2025 MLB Mock Draft 3.0: Shocking Picks, Rising Stars, and Hidden Gems Revealed…Read More…
As anticipation builds toward the 2025 MLB Draft, Baseball America has unveiled its much-anticipated Mock Draft 3.0, offering fans and front offices alike a fresh look at how this year’s top amateur talent may shake out. With just weeks to go before the first name is called, this third edition of the draft projection doesn’t just tweak earlier selections — it shakes the foundation, bringing surprise risers, bold predictions, and sleeper picks into full view.
For die-hard baseball enthusiasts, the mock draft is more than speculation — it’s a roadmap to the future of the league. And Baseball America, long heralded as a definitive voice in the amateur baseball world, has again delivered a projection full of insight, controversy, and buzz-worthy moves.
No Surprise at the Top — Or Is There?
Most experts had assumed that Texas high school phenom Jaxon Morales, a five-tool shortstop with speed, power, and a laser arm, was a lock for the No. 1 overall pick. And while he remains in the top three, Baseball America stuns by projecting Vanderbilt right-hander Eli Drummond as the new favorite to go first overall — a bold shift that reflects the rising premium MLB teams are placing on frontline pitching.
Drummond, who boasts a fastball that touches 99 mph and a devastating slider, has rocketed up draft boards this spring, dominating SEC hitters with a 1.72 ERA and 143 strikeouts in 88 innings. Scouts love his mound presence, clean mechanics, and maturity — qualities that may have convinced the Pittsburgh Pirates, holders of the first pick, to favor a high-floor ace over a high-risk, high-reward prep bat.
Outfielders Flood the First Round
One of the biggest themes in Mock Draft 3.0 is the outfield depth. College and high school outfielders dominate the mid-to-late first round, signaling a shift from last year’s infield-heavy class. Among the standouts is North Carolina’s Bryce Thompson, a left-handed slugger with a polished approach and plus power. Baseball America now has him cracking the top 10, projected to land with the Miami Marlins at No. 7.
Another riser is Tanner McClain, an Alabama prep star who combines elite speed with growing offensive skills. Projected at No. 15 to the Chicago Cubs, McClain has been compared to a young Byron Buxton for his electric athleticism and game-changing defense.
College Bats Remain a Safe Bet
While high school talent often brings higher upside, college position players offer a faster path to the majors. This year, several college hitters have made significant noise, most notably Oregon State third baseman Cole Hampton, who has mashed 22 home runs with a .425 on-base percentage. Baseball America has him slotted at No. 6 to the Kansas City Royals, praising his compact swing and advanced pitch recognition.
Meanwhile, LSU catcher Ryan DeMarco, regarded as the best backstop in the class, is projected at No. 12 to the San Francisco Giants. DeMarco’s mix of defensive prowess and offensive consistency could make him one of the quickest to reach the big leagues, especially given the scarcity of elite catching talent.
Sleeper Picks and Hidden Gems
One of the more intriguing storylines in Mock Draft 3.0 is the rise of junior college standout D’Andre Willis, a 6-foot-4 right-hander from Southern Nevada who had flown under the radar before lighting up scouts with a late spring surge. Projected to go late in the first round to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Willis features a fastball/curveball combo that has some scouts labeling him a future No. 2 starter.
Another name generating buzz is switch-hitting infielder Malik Estevez from Puerto Rico’s Carlos Beltrán Baseball Academy. A projected second-rounder in previous mocks, Estevez has soared to No. 21 in Baseball America’s latest projection, thanks to a dominant performance at the recent MLB Draft Combine.
Risky Business: Who’s Dropping?
Of course, not everyone is moving up. Florida State lefty Mason Crowley, once considered a top-5 lock, has slipped to the back half of the first round after inconsistent command and velocity dips in recent starts. Similarly, prep outfielder Justin Raynor, who dazzled in early showcases, has fallen out of the top 30 due to concerns over plate discipline and long-term power.
These drop-offs serve as a reminder of how volatile draft stocks can be — especially when high school prospects face their final showcases under intense scrutiny.
A Glimpse Into the Future
Baseball America’s Mock Draft 3.0 isn’t just a speculative exercise; it’s a reflection of how MLB teams are evolving in their evaluations. From the increasing reliance on data-driven scouting reports to the value placed on versatility and durability, the landscape of player development continues to shift.
As the draft approaches, this latest mock serves as a powerful indicator of where organizations are placing their chips — and which players are poised to carry the torch into MLB’s next era.
Fans and front office analysts alike will now watch closely to see how these projections hold up, and whether the bold choices made in this edition of the mock become visionary predictions or cautionary tales.
One thing’s for sure: if Baseball America’s 2025 Mock Draft 3.0 is any indication, this year’s draft class is brimming with excitement, surprises, and the potential to reshape the sport for years to come.
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